Queen of South V East Fife at Palmerston Park : Match Preview

27 October 2012 01:31

Queen of the South will be forced into changes for their home clash against East Fife as both Kevin Holt and Derek Young are suspended following red cards in last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Stenhousemuir.

Manager Allan Johnston has told those who will now come into his XI that they have the chance to stake a claim for an extended run in the team.

Johnston said: "We have not made many changes recently as everyone was fit and the team was playing well. We have to make changes for East Fife and the players who play have the chance to show what they can do.

"We need to play well as they won last week and took points off us earlier in the season."

The Doonhamers are again without striker Kevin Smith, who has a groin injury.

Lowly East Fife travel to the Second Division leaders boasting a fully-fit squad.

Midfielder Jamie Pollock and winger Scott McBride return from injury to give coaches Bob Malcolm and Brian McNaughton a full complement of players to choose from.

Forfar were defeated 3-0 in the coaching duo's first game in charge last weekend following assistant manager Gordon Chisholm's resignation and the continued illness of boss Gordon Durie, and Malcolm is looking for the Fifers to build on that success.

"It was a great result for us last week and while Forfar had a man sent off early on we still had to go out and win the game," Malcolm said.

"Hopefully that has given the players increased confidence and we can travel to Palmerston with nothing to fear."